Church of Saints Simon and Helena

The Church of Saints Simon and Helena, also known as The Red Church, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Minsk. This Catholic church is located on Independence Square, next to the Government House, and attracts attention with both its architecture and its historical background. The history of the church begins in the early 20th century and is associated with the tragedy of the Voynilovich family. Edward Voynilovich, a Minsk nobleman and public figure, lost two children — his son Simon and daughter Helena. In their memory, Voynilovich decided to build a church, which was consecrated in honor of Saints Simon and Helena. Construction began in 1905, and five years later, in 1910, the church was ceremoniously opened. The project was led by Polish architect Tomasz Pajzderski, who gave the church a unique style, combining elements of Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Gothic, and Art Nouveau. The red brick used in construction gave the church its popular nickname — The Red Church. The architecture of the Church of Saints Simon and Helena is notable for its asymmetrical composition. The central element is a four-tiered tower 50 meters high, located in the southeastern part. Two smaller towers, installed on either side of the altar, symbolize the memory of Voynilovich's children. The main façade of the church is adorned with a large rose window, located under a triangular pediment, a traditional element of Neo-Gothic churches. After its construction, the Red Church quickly became an important religious and cultural center of Minsk. However, in 1923, Soviet authorities began the expropriation of church valuables, and in 1932 the church was finally closed. During the Soviet period, the building was used for various purposes: it housed the Polish State Theatre of the BSSR, a film studio, and later the House of Cinema and the Museum of Belarusian Film History. During this period, the building underwent significant changes: extensions were added, apses were merged, and the interior paintings were covered. The return of the church to the Catholic Church occurred in 1990. Restoration work began immediately, allowing for the restoration of the original frescoes on the vaults and presbytery. In 1996, a sculpture of Archangel Michael piercing a serpent with a spear — a symbol of the triumph of good over evil — was installed in front of the church. Another important composition that appeared near the church in 2000 was the "Nagasaki Bell" monument, dedicated to the victims of nuclear disasters. This bell is a replica of the angel that survived the nuclear bombing in Nagasaki. The Red Church has become not only a religious but also a cultural center of Minsk. In the "lower church," located under the main basilica, performances, exhibitions, and other cultural events are regularly held. One of the most revered relics of the church is a copy of the Shroud of Turin, presented as a gift to the Belarusian people in 2002. In 2006, the remains of Edward Voynilovich were reburied in the church according to his will. A sculpture of Jesus was placed over his grave, and a memorial plaque was placed nearby. Today, the Red Church remains an important symbol of Minsk and one of its main attractions. The building is protected by the state as an architectural monument and is included in all city sightseeing tours. The church also attracts tourists with its tragic history and unique architecture, which includes elements of Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Gothic, and Art Nouveau styles. Inside the church, you can see several statues of saints, stained glass windows, and wall paintings created by Belarusian artist Franciszek Bruzdowicz. One of the central compositions of the interior is a painting of the "Last Supper," located above the main entrance. The stained glass windows, installed during the Soviet period, depict allegories of five types of art. The Church of Saints Simon and Helena has undergone several restoration works. The latest large-scale restoration took place in 2017–2019. However, this has caused financial difficulties for the community, related to the reimbursement of funds spent on the restoration. By 2020, the community’s debt for land tax and depreciation had reached 156,000 Belarusian rubles. Despite all difficulties, the Red Church remains a symbol of hope, sorrow, and faith. The church attracts not only believers but also those interested in the history and architecture of Belarus.